“TWO ONLY”

Only two hearts shall understand the sea

That speaks at nightfall, in the wash and lap

Of windless evenings under flaming skies;

Only two hearts shall hear the rising sap

In wet spring woods; and two alone, grown wise

In union, shall make discovery

Of what lies hidden, though before our eyes.

Oh, core of wonder in familiar things:

Magic of evening, and of early morn

But just created, with the dew of birth

All fresh upon it, heaven itself new-born

O'er the green splendour of the quiet earth

And like a just-awakened bird that sings

Because of sunlight, is the spirit's mirth.

All forms of beauty but express the soul

As in a looking-glass; the wind that goes

Low-talking to the trees beneath the stars,

Or the small sound of water, as it flows

Under old bridges, where the ivy mars

The sharp stone outline — these are in the whole

Of the World-Symphony small, tuneful bars.

And human beings in the span of years

Some part of all the world-wealth may receive,

More, less, but never all; and with dismay

We see slow Time his net of hours weave

To catch from us dear mortal night and day,

Ere we have taken in our eyes and ears

Beauty that lies around, beyond, away.

We, singly, feel a sudden sharp regret

Behind all beauty, but we — two in one,

As white and blue are separate in a flame

Yet mingled — we shall watch the hours run

Seeing with surer knowledge how the same

Eternal splendour for the soul is set,

And the day comes again from whence day came.